02—Helping Hands
Before he's aware, Taiasu's hand is gripping the hilt of his blade. Before he's aware, he's leaping from his chair, which clatters to the wooden deck. And before he's aware, and before his feet have even touched the ground, the flat of his katana is sliding against its sheath as he draws the blade out.
He lands a few yalms from the table. For the moment, the only sound he can hear is that of his teeth grinding against each other. In his eyes is a mixture of fear and uncertainty as he glares at the old man, Watcher. The old man, who sits casually, watching him with indifference perfectly etched into his every feature.
Other eyes fall on him, but he pays them no mind. What conversations had been transpiring have since ceased. But for him, it doesn't matter. The world doesn't exist. All his focus is centered on the man seated in front of him.
The man with whom the Echo had attempted to resonate, but failed.
Unprecedented.
"What the hells are you, old man."
Taiasu's words are growled, low, feral, like something from an animal cornered in a cage. Moments pass like hours in complete silence, except for his pulse pounding in his head and ears, and his teeth scraping against one another.
"Um, honored guest? I'm very sorry, but we do not permit weapons out at this establishment."
And the trembling, hesitant voice of a server, whose steps he'd not even noted approaching him from behind, whose words he disregards as his focus, his searing glare, remains fixed firmly on the old man.
It makes no sense! What the hells is going on!? Who is this man? WHAT is this man?!
"Sir?"
The worker's words again fail to reach him.
… And more to the point, what happens now? It's never a good thing when—!
"Sir…?"
Hesitantly, and for a second time, the worker repeats himself, and Taiasu snaps his head around, redirecting the aim of his vorpal glare. The server freezes, locked in place by whatever he sees in the eyes behind that glare, and the keen edge of the blade held in his hands.
The instant passes.
"H-HEE!"
As it does, the server's fear response engages, and he lets out a panicked yelp. The empty tray he'd held clatters to the ground as his hands fly to his face. The sound of the squeamish holler is replaced by that of the tray as it clatters to a rest at the server's feet.
Taiasu's eyes follow the tray as it falls, and they come to rest on the dark colored, polished shoes that reflect the light of the sun as it begins its descent in the late afternoon sky. His eyes trace upward, past the dark slacks, the red, buttoned-down shirt, and stop on the man's blanched white face, which now matches his parted, white hair.
The leather of his gloves groans, protesting the vice of his grip, a light sound which draws his notice, his stare. His eyes fall upon the blade, and the gloved hands clenched around its hilt.
He draws in a sudden gasp as the red of the gloves coating his hands draws his focus.
A vivid red.
No. This is wrong. There's no battle here.
Reality encroaches. The reality of his situation. He draws in a full and deep breath, then exhales it over a long several seconds, trying to force his eyes to relax, his heart to settle, and his hands to loosen their grip. He takes two more such breaths before his body can even begin catching up with his mind. Again, the flat of his blade slides against his sheath as he returns it to its place, and his gaze drops to the deck at his feet.
Damn it. Damn everything! What the hells did I almost do?
Though he's recovered a measure of composure, it does little to ease the anxious air surrounding him. Eyes stay focused, gaping, mouths hang slack, and forks, knives, and various other cutlery remain suspended in mid-air by the hands of the shocked patrons still holding them. Taiasu's face is weighted with a heavy frown as he kneels to the deck before the server, who continues shaking where he stands. He lifts the tray, extending it to the man.
"Sorry about that," he mumbles.
"H-huh?"
"For what just happened." He looks up, holding the tray out. "Sorry."
The server blinks a few times, hesitating. Then, finally understanding his life is not about to end, he extends his still-shaking hand downward, securing the tray in his grasp, and returning the bowing gesture.
"N-n-n-not at all! I-I-I-I hope you are f-f-finding everything to your l-l-liking? W-w-were there any p-p-problems?"
Taiasu looks toward the old man again, the one he knows to have caused this. The one sitting and waiting patiently as the scene continues to unfold.
Is there a problem? He's just sitting there after all of that.
Slowly, he turns back to the server.
"No. The food was fine. Everything's… fine."
He looks up into the man's face and swears inwardly.
Damn it, an apology won't cut it here. It's not enough! I nearly killed this guy!
His gloves creak as he clenches his hands, shaking with frustration.
What even could I do? How do I make this right!?
He reaches his hand into his pack.
Damn it, this is pathetic. Is this all I can think of?
From his pack, he draws back his hand, which now has in its firm grip several small, gold coins, which he now holds out toward the man as he heaves a deep sigh.
"Please take these. For the trouble I caused you."
The man's colorless face slackens, his mouth flapping wordlessly a few times as he searches for his voice.
"Y-you're offering me g-gil?"
Taiasu nods.
"It's stupid, I know. I can't think of anything else. I feel terrible for what happened, for what I did, and I know this is just to satisfy my own selfishness, but I can't feel right without doing something to make up for this." He reaches up further. "Please take them."
He stares at the coins, blinking a few more times, before drawing in a steadying breath. Still, with one hand clutching his tray to his chest, his other hand shakes as he holds it out, clasping it around the coins and drawing them back, taking care not to let a single one fall.
"It, um…" The server searches for words as he pockets the gil. "S-so you're an adventurer, then?"
He nods. "Yeah. Again, I'm sorry about all of that. I think I just…"
His head tilts downward, his stare dropping to the deck as he searches for the words.
The hells could I even say to the guy? I nearly slew him!
"… reacted badly to a flashback, or something. Again, I'm really—"
The approaching sound of rapid, frantic footsteps interrupts his endless apology. Taiasu turns his head toward them, groaning to himself at what he sees.
Of course. Here we go.
A man and two women approach, clad in dark leggings, slacks for the man, deep red jackets, and tall red caps. The standard issue uniform of the Maelstrom Guard. Limsa Lominsa's finest enforcers of all things law and order.
And right on time, never missing a beat.
Now that his blade is sheathed, and no longer a threat, he doesn't hesitate in stepping forward to greet them as they come to a halt, surveying the scene. As they do, the server takes a few tentative steps back.
"We received word someone drew a weapon, and there was an altercation!"
One of the two women, a Storm Captain by the insignia she wears, speaks first, her words laden with self-important authority as she shoots her gaze around the crowd. Frowning heavily and heaving another deep sigh, Taiasu raises his hand.
"Sorry. That was me. There wasn't any altercation, but yeah." His shoulders slump forward as he unfastens his weapon. "I drew my sword."
Slowly, blade in sheath, he yields it to her, and she nods as she takes it by the scabbard.
"Understood. I see you're familiar with procedure."
"Not my first time, I'm afraid," he mutters, and she nods again.
"Good. Your cooperation is noted and appreciated. You're to remain here until we've concluded our investigation and confirmed the veracity of your statement."
He sighs again.
That's a lot of words to say 'Don't go anywhere until we've spoken to everyone.'
His thought remains unspoken, and he stands wordlessly, watching as the other two guards question what few patrons had remained behind to finish their meals. On finishing with them, they move to question the server, whose complexion by now has returned to its natural tone. As they make their inquiry, Taiasu listens in keenly.
"I'm saying that it's not that big a deal! I was just surprised, is all. Please, there's no need for this!"
"You're wrong. There is a need for this," Taiasu says, frowning and kneading his furrowed brow. "Rule of law only works if it's enforced. How can you expect them to do that if you withhold information from them?"
He raises his gaze, locking eyes with the man.
"So tell them what happened and leave no word unspoken."
Under his unwavering gaze, the man averts his own, then nods.
He recounts everything. The leaping from the chair, the blade being drawn, the head-turn, his thoughts that those were his last moments, the sudden de-escalation, and even the offering and accepting of the gil. As told, he leaves nothing out, and Taiasu breathes a light, relieved sigh.
"Thank you. This man suffered the most as the victim, so please weigh his testimony accordingly—"
"What is going on, here?"
Another voice, a woman's voice, new yet familiar and heavy with authority, cuts into their discussion. The tall, pale, silver-haired woman to whom it belongs, wearing a long, black dress and tall, dark leather boots marches onto the scene with a gate like she has every drop of authority her voice would suggest.
"Admiral!"
The Storm Captain addresses her first as she snaps around, quickly offering a formal salute. The other two guards do likewise.
"We have things well in hand. We're investigating an incident in which this man caused a disturbance. We were told he had assaulted—"
As the Storm Captain prattles on, the Admiral surveys the scene, then looks down as Taiasu approaches, offering his own salute, albeit more brief than that of the others. Wearing an exasperated frown, and breathing a light, tired sigh, she looks back up at the captain.
"Yes, Captain, thank you. I'm well familiar with procedure, and have noted your diligence." She turns back toward Taiasu, kneeling down to his eye level. "Only back a few days, and you're already causing a ruckus. Care to tell your side, Taiasu?"
The deck becomes his focus as he turns his gaze downward, and his gloves give a light squeak as he wrings his hands.
"It's stupid. But it's like they said. I had a sort of… flashback and freaked out." His boots squeak as he shifts his feet uncomfortably. "They're right. I could have really hurt the guy!"
She breathes another light sigh as she kneads her forehead.
"And? Is that all that happened?"
He snaps his widening gaze from the ground, meeting her eyes and noting her unconcerned expression.
"Is that all—isn't that enough? It could've ended bad!"
"Yes, but clearly it didn't. I'd like to think you meant no harm. Unless, after all this time, everything I know about you is wrong?" She lets slip a sly smirk. "Or perhaps you've taken to wanton murder during your absence?"
She chuckles at his slackening expression before standing to her full and impressive height and motioning toward the server, who shuffles over at her beckoning.
"Does this man speak the truth?"
He hesitates, looking down toward Taiasu, who meets his gaze with a light smile and a simple nod. The server blinks a few times.
"I-I don't want to get anyone into any trouble—"
"Didn't we already have this conversation?" Taiasu says, interjecting, his light smile falling away.
The server swallows against the hard knot forming in his throat.
"But—"
"Everyone should be held accountable for their actions." His expression hardens. "Just tell her what you told them," he says, gesturing toward the Storm Captain, who stands observing from the side.
"Ah, I—"
The server stammers for a moment.
"The sooner you answer me, the sooner you can get back to work," the Admiral says, folding her arms. "Like the little man said, everyone must be held to account, so I'll ask you again—" She narrows her eyes this time. "—did he speak the truth?"
Finally, resignedly, the server heaves a deep sigh.
"Y-yes, he did. He was eating with that man—" He gestures toward Watcher, who continues observing with an amused smirk. "—when he flew from his chair. His sword was out so fast. I'd never seen the like. I told him we don't permit weapons drawn here. Then he looked at me, and…"
The server kneads his hands as he goes a shade of red.
"I think I peed a little."
Audibly, Taiasu grinds his teeth. The Admiral eyes him from the side for a moment before returning her focus to the Server.
"Yes. Go on."
"A-anyroad, I dropped the tray I was carrying. Then he… Well, he put his sword away, and apologized. A few times, actually. He also gave me these." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the glittering gold coins he'd accepted.
"He insisted."
She stares at the coins for a moment, blinking several times, then folds her arms.
Of course he did.
She pulls her hand down over her face.
"You neglected to mention the bribery, Taiasu."
"M-Meryl! It wasn't a bribe! I almost spiked the guy like a Miq'abob! It was the only thing I could think of to make things right!"
Her hand falls away, revealing another grin, and the woman, Admiral Merylwyb Bloefhiswyn, lets out a hearty laugh.
"Yes, but you didn't, did you? No, you stayed your blade, then gave the poor man something for his troubles, right? Some things never change." Smiling, she shakes her head, then turns toward the officers. "This man committed no crime. Conclude your investigation and return to your patrol. And return his weapon."
"But Admiral, we can't—!"
The Storm Captain speaks out, then snaps her mouth shut as the Admiral's soft smile hardens into a sharp frown. With two quick, decisive strides, she places herself before her subordinate, glaring down at her through narrowed eyes with a practiced, firmly fixed, steely expression.
"I'm sorry. I believe I must have misheard. For a moment, it sounded like you were about to question my order." Her words and tone alone could sap heat from the air.
"N-No, Sir!"
The Captain snaps to attention with another sharp salute, affirming what Meryl already knew to be the case. Her hardened glare eases, and her sharp frown softens into another light smile.
"Good. After all, if we jailed every adventurer who drew their blade in a fit, there'd be no room for actual criminals."
She lets out another chuckle as the shaken Storm Captain turns toward Taiasu, holding his weapon out to him. He takes it by the hilt, bowling lightly toward her.
"Thanks. Sorry for the trouble." he says, refastening it to his waist.
The captain looks between him as he fusses with the blade and his belt, and the Admiral, who stands, arms folded and surveying the rest of the scene. Her face turns down in a small frown as she shakes her head and sighs, while the other female guard approaches the server.
"I'll need to seize those," she says, smirking as she reaches for the coins still in his hand. "As evidence."
"Evidence of what?" Taiasu snaps.
Finally getting his weapon situated, he shoots a glare her way. One which she returns with her own.
"We're finished with you, so don't press your luck. Be about your business. This is protocol."
Meryl's mouth forms a thin line as she takes a few steps back, Taiasu watching her from his periphery.
What's she doing? She's not just going to let this happen, is she?
He returns his focus to the guard.
"The hells it is, Lieutenant. I'm a Flame Captain, so I know protocol, and this isn't it. Those—" He aims his finger at the coins, still in the Server's hand. "—were given in reparation for a hostile act after the incident in question had been resolved. Even if there were some crime, which the Admiral—"
Whether I agree.
This thought, he holds to himself.
"—has stated to not be the case, this would not be, as you have claimed, evidence of any sort."
The woman sneers. "Perhaps, and if we were in Ul'dah, your words may carry weight, Flame Captain, but here, the Maelstrom Guard—"
His expression is quickly cut by a sharp scowl.
"You want to play it that way? Fine. I don't know if you noticed, but I'm pretty chummy with the Admiral. I hate exploiting that, so it wouldn't be my first choice, but if you don't stop harassing this man, I'll call in every favor and have you demoted. You'll be swabbing decks before you could even finish counting those coins."
"Y-you can't—!"
The whites of the young woman's eyes go on full display in stark contrast to his, which narrow sharply. Her contemptuous smirk dissolves in moments under the heat of his seething glare as he locks eyes with her.
"Try me."
Shaking, and hands tightly clenched, she grinds her teeth as she mutters something inarticulate under her breath. She performs a sharp about face and storms off. The server breathes a relieved sigh as he returns the coins to his pocket and gives his thanks once the Lieutenant is out of earshot. Finally, he wipes his brow, then shuffles off to the kitchen as he relieves himself of his apron.
"What was that you were saying, Flame Captain?" Meryl says, approaching with a wry smirk. "Something about us being chummy?"
He relaxes his stance, breathing his own heavy sigh as he turns his head upward.
"Well, I thought we were," he says, his countenance growing lighter for his small smile. "Was that too presumptuous? And what was that, anyway? Were you just going to let her get away with that?"
She sighs, shaking her head. "No, I'd not planned on it. If I had to, I'd have stepped in. But I figured you'd have something to say on the matter. Besides, it's politics. Can't be butting heads with the subordinates all the time, you know."
"I guess…" His light smile dips subtly.
Meryl makes one final, surveying sweep of the crowd. Many continue to stare with prying eyes, and she waves them off.
"Alright, everyone. Everything is as it should be. Please forgive the disturbance and enjoy the rest of your meals and afternoons."
Taiasu makes his way toward the table, with Meryl following close behind, gesturing toward Watcher.
"And who is this person?"
"A prospective client." Taiasu lifts his chair up, setting it right, and re-seating himself. "He's trying to entice me with another grand adventure. Until that complete mess, he was doing a good job of it too."
"Another one? So you're about to be off again? Ever think of taking some time for a rest?"
"I'd planned on it." He scoots his chair forward, then turns his head toward her again, his smile returning. "But your first love is the sea, right? So you know how it is."
She looks over the table, then toward him, returning his light smile with her own.
"True enough. So what's good today?"
"The fettuccine isn't bad," he says, spearing some and bringing it to his mouth. Slipping it in, he frowns before he can even pull the fork away.
Cold. Damn everything.
"Perhaps I'll stop by later and enjoy some. On your recommendation, of course."
He pulls his fork back, setting it down with the still uneaten bite.
"Sure, just don't get distracted from it."
She leans forward. "It's good to see you again, but do please try to stay out of trouble. There are only so many strings I can pull."
"I'll try," he says, shifting in his seat. "Thanks for the help, Meryl."
With that, she nods, stands, and with her impressive stride, departs from the Bismarck's eating area.
"You two seem friendly. Flame Captain."
"Huh?" Taiasu turns his stare toward Watcher now. "The Admiral? I mean, I guess. She's the one who shot that Sahagin. We've got a small bit of history. I wouldn't presume to call us friends, but maybe close acquaintances? I'm just glad she was willing to smooth over that mess."
"Yes, it can pay to have friends, I'm sorry, close acquaintances in high places. Though it does surprise me that our acquaintance never once mentioned you suffer from flashbacks."
For a moment, Taiasu freezes in place. Even his breathing halts.
That's right. With everything that was going on between then and now, I'd completely forgotten.
He fixes his frigid glare on the old man's face.
"It wasn't a flashback, old man," he says icily.
The Echo failed to read this guy.
Slowly, with the table hiding his movements from view, his hand again creeps toward the hilt of his blade.
"Now I want some answers." On finding his weapon, his hand closes around it. "What the hells are you. And what do you really want with me?"
Half-frowning, Watcher tilts his head. "What do I want with you? What am I? What are you talking about?"
His hardened stare remains fixed in place.
"You know damn well what I'm talking about. The reason all of that just happened is that the Echo couldn't read you. That's never happened before."
"I wasn't aware it had even tried," Watcher says, folding his arms. "Was it truly such a traumatic experience?"
"Trau—it was like being trapped at the bottom of the sea!"
"Hmm…" Watcher strokes his chin. "That does sound upsetting. While I am sorry, I honestly couldn't tell you why that happened."
Sharply frowning, Taiasu holds his arm with his free hand, tapping against it with his finger.
Is he lying? I can't tell. I can't read him properly. Not with all of that nonsense from before getting in the way. If this is a façade, some sort of mask he's wearing to hide his intent, it's a damn good one. The worst thing is, my judgement is completely skewed by how the Echo failed.
Gradually, under the weight of his considerations, his eyes slip closed, his brow pulling tightly inward.
Even with that, I've sensed nothing untoward or nefarious from this guy. He's been odd and evasive, but that's it. I don't like this. It's a huge unknown. The Echo's never failed like that before. Does he even know? Is he blocking it somehow? I bet those book-readers at the Sharlayan Institute would love to get their hands on this guy.
He scoffs under his breath at the thought. A gaggle of Echo researchers cooing over this old man. Asking questions, and getting the runaround, like he'd been doing here and now. Being curious and getting nothing but frustration for their time and effort.
Whatever he is, he's not boring at least. Evasive, strange, and I'd bet my last gil he knows a lot more than he's saying…
Slowly, the hand with which he grips the hilt of his katana eases, relaxing as he withdraws it to his side, and his eyes slide open. The tight knot in the center of his forehead loosens, smoothing out the stiff wrinkles that had formed over the past few moments.
But he's not boring.
A slight distraction, new patrons being shown to a recently vacated table, helps him to end his pondering, and he looks up, giving a simple, firm head-shake.
"Fine. Forget it."
I just hope I'm not wrong.
Watcher shrugs. "If you're certain. I have to say, that was an impressive display back there. Not everyone would speak back to a person in a position of authority like that."
Taiasu sits back in his chair, breathing a heavy sigh.
"It's obvious she was trying to extort him." His light frown resharpens. "I hate that sort of thing. I think Meryl may have her swabbing decks for that, regardless."
"And the way you handled things with the waitstaff was interesting as well," Watcher says through his smirk. "Do you always pay off the people you scare half to death?"
"I wasn't paying him off! I screwed up! I almost killed the guy! You screw up, you make it right! That's…" He hesitates in thought. "That's how it would be in a perfect world. It's not how it goes all the time, but that's how it should be!"
He glares inwardly. At himself. At his own failings, his frown deepening into something angry, self condemnatory. The leather of his gloves again creaks as he tightens his fist and slams the table.
"I can't go back and stop myself! I made the mistake, I had to correct it! Like I told Meryl, it was all I could think of." Finished with berating himself, his clenched jaw loosens, and his leather ceases groaning as he relaxes his hand. His tight frown eases into something more sad now than angry. "I just hope he can use that to make this entire experience nothing but an awful memory."
"Clearly, and he'll likely find his relief at the end of a stiff drink," Watcher says, scoffing. "And you were practically insistent they haul you away. Quite stupid, if you ask me."
Taiasu bristles, but remains silent for the moment under his astute observation.
"All that talk about rule of law."
"It matters, you—!" He snaps his mouth closed, catching himself before he says something he shouldn't. "If people aren't held accountable, then laws are meaningless! That's even more true for people with power! I should've been dragged away! That's why I didn't ask Meryl to sweep everything aside! She did that on her own!"
"Equal accountability, regardless of station, hm?" Watcher says, folding his hands and smirking. "Yes, while I can agree with you there, I also think you're being hard on yourself. After all, you only scared the man. You didn't attack him."
"That… doesn't matter," Taiasu mutters.
If I hadn't come to my senses, I probably would have.
"Well, all that aside, it seems I have found the right person for this job," Watcher says, interjecting into his thoughts. Taiasu stares hard at the wooden deck, swinging his feet.
"I mean, if you say so," he mutters.
But 'this job', though? What even does that mean?
He raises his head to again meet Watcher's relaxed stare with his own.
"But if you feel that's the case, mind answering some of my questions now, old man?"
He nods. "I suppose it's only fair, though I must warn you. I can't promise I can answer them completely. Either lack of knowledge, or I'm bound by my agreement with our contact."
Taiasu breathes out a grumbled sigh, but gives a stiff nod in reply.
I didn't think it would be that easy. After all, I've only asked a few questions to this point, and he still hasn't given me a single straight answer. But it can't hurt to try, right?
He smirks wryly.
"Fine, I guess, since I really only have one question, anyroad. What is this 'task' you feel I'm so well suited for? I asked before, but you didn't really give me an answer." He folds his arms, his mouth forming a thin, neutral line. "Just some nonsense about the same sort of things I usually do in a new place. Nothing specific, so I'll just ask again. What is it exactly you want me to do in this place?"
Watcher sighs, giving another slower nod.
"I can't give you a straight answer to that question. So rather than thinking of it in terms of me asking you to do something specific, I'd instead ask you to think of it as a chance to broaden your horizons, so to speak."
Frustrated, Taiasu's brow furrows to a point as his pressed lips turn down in a sharp frown.
An opportunity, huh? Broaden my horizons?
"Okay? And how's that, exactly?"
"There are people in this place who could benefit from your aid." He clasps his hands together, resting them on the table. "And that is why you got into this, after all? New places, helping people, and the like?"
His stiff frown relaxes for a moment as he drops his gaze to the table.
I did say that. I said it because it's true.
"And by what you and the Admiral were saying, her first love is the sea? So I'm guessing that makes yours adventuring," Watcher says, his sly smirk widening. "Or am I wrong?"
Taiasu winces.
Damn it. He's not.
"But of course, there is more to be said than that, though I'm guessing you were already aware. The people of this place are important to me. Not any individual in particular, but as a whole. So by your offering your… unique… set of services to them, you could consider it as if you were doing the same for me."
"So what? Is this your homeland, or something?" Taiasu says, leaning forward over the table, pressing his forehead into his clasped hands, his elbows set on the table. "And these are your people?"
He shakes his head. "Nothing so simple. I can't explain further beyond saying that they were, and that it was. Once. But circumstances changing in that regard have not changed my feelings toward it, or toward them."
Taiasu hums thoughtfully through his thin, tight frown.
I guess I could see that, then. Sort of like how I'd feel toward anyone who helped any of my friends. Like when Krile was looking after everyone's bodies while we were trapped on the First.
He scoffs.
That's stupid. We're all friends, so that's not the same thing at all.
"So what, then? I'm just supposed to wander around this place? Find people who need help?"
"Isn't that how it usually works?" Watcher says, smiling and nodding. "You adventurers seem to have an uncanny knack for that sort of thing, yes?"
Taiasu looks up, showing a thoughtful half-frown.
He's not wrong. Must be some sort of natural intuition, knowing when a person needs help? Usually, that's how it works, anyway.
"And doubtless, whatever you get involved in will lead you further down the rabbit hole, yes? One thing leading to another, and next thing you know, you're fighting fiends under the Sultantree, rescuing a cute Lalafell girl who just happens to be—"
Taiasu frowns deeply, his brow pulling inward.
He's talking about when I first met Thancred and Nanamo. That's right about when I got my start adventuring. How—?
"Damn it, how the hells do you even know about that?" He finishes his thought out loud.
"Our point of contact was reasonably thorough. I don't know your entire story, but what I did hear about your exploits…" Watcher smiles lightly as he allows his eyes to drift close, recounting a few in his mind. "There were quite a few fascinating tales."
Taiasu slumps forward, thumping his forehead against the table.
I'm gonna find out who this stupid 'contact' is, I swear. But he is right. Somehow, things always seem to be connected like that. Maybe this is just another one of those starting points that leads to something greater?
The thought eases his irritation, lightening his expression with a small smile, though his forehead remains pressed firmly against the table.
And things have been quiet. True, the world's always doomed, but maybe everyone and everything trying to see it destroyed is taking the day off?
He chuckles lightly, the sound coming out muffled by the table.
And whatever he is, except for that weirdness from before, he seems pretty benign.
Finally, Taiasu sighs and lifts his head from the table, revealing a small red circle on his forehead.
"Alright, old man. Everything you've said is pretty accurate. I still have my reservations, but hopefully I'll live to regret this. And your request does intrigue me, so I'll accept." He locks eyes with the old man. "Consider me sold, Mr. Watcher."
Watcher smiles as he nods.
"It pleases me to hear you say that."
The early evening sun continues its descent in the sky, and some new patrons are having their orders taken as Watcher reaches inside his dark dress cape. He withdraws his hand, and in it is a simple cloth sack.
"I'll be leaving this in your care."
"Huh? A down payment?" Taiasu tilts his head. "Usually money changes hands after the contract is complete."
Watcher shakes his head. "No. This does not contain money."
He rustles the bag, producing a soft clattering sound, and Taiasu stares at the pouch.
Not money? Then what is it?
A thoughtful frown tugs at his face as he considers the unremarkable cloth sack.
"Alright, I'll bite. What's in the bag?"
"Soulanchor stones."
"Eh?" Leaning forward, he pokes it with his finger as he rests his chin in his free hand. "Never heard of 'em. What're they for?"
Watcher chuckles. "Yes, well, it would've surprised me if you had, considering they're quite a new thing. You'd be hard pressed to find the like. As for their purpose…" He strokes his chin as he regards the bag intently. "Let's just say, you'll be meeting some… unique individuals in this place to which I am sending you, and these will serve a special purpose for them."
Taiasu's thoughtful half-frown hardens into one more fully annoyed.
"More cryptic nonsense? You're trying my patience, old man."
Despite his frustration, he reaches out, taking the bag in his hand, and bringing it back. A soft light exudes from the opening as he pulls it open, peering within. Inside, he finds several indistinct crystalline orbs, none larger than a closed fist, or an orb of Materia.
Weird.
Each pulses at regular intervals, glowing with a soft, off-white light.
Really weird.
Cinching the pouch closed, he fastens it to his belt.
The sun hangs low in the sky. Taiasu's cold, half-eaten meal has long since been taken by the kitchen waitstaff, and the cool of the evening encroaches as he stands, his boots clipping softly as he drops from his chair to the deck. Watcher stands as well, and they move to formalize their agreement.
Taiasu scuffs his boot, staring down at the mark left behind, and Watcher looks toward him, arching his brow.
"Having doubts?"
Taiasu nods. "I'd be stupid to not be having doubts. But if I let that sort of thing stop me, I'd still be on the First, and so would all of my friends."
"Steel your resolve, young man," Watcher says with a calm smile. "I promise that if half of what I've heard of your deeds is true, you're more than adequately skilled for whatever challenges may await you. Nothing I've told you is a lie."
Taiasu's expression bears a small frown as he kneads his forehead.
"Yeah, I know. Everything's been pretty spot on, and I'm a sucker for a fresh adventure, anyroad." His small frown lifts into a bright, almost eager grin. "And you said there are people there to meet and help, and it's a new place I haven't seen before. So how do I get to this place? Am I taking an airship, or is there a portal?"
"You're very certain, then?" Watcher's words carry with them a tone of finality. "This is your last chance to reconsider."
"Last chance, huh?"
His eyes slip closed, a series of tight wrinkles forming on his forehead as he leans his head forward.
Am I sure? It's like he said, right? I can just hand these stupid rocks back and walk away. Facing the unknown isn't new, and it's bound to happen again and again. And then there was everything he was saying. I do love an adventure. And if people need help, and you can, you help them, right? Unless I'm all talk.
He shakes his head, frowning.
No, I can't let myself be all talk. There's a lot I don't know, but that's nothing new. I can figure it out as I go.
His gloves creak as his hands form into tight fists, and his eyes slide open.
"In for a gil, in for a ransom. I'm certain, old man."
He looks up, extending his hand.
"You won't regret it, Warrior of Light."
Taiasu gives a single, firm nod. "So back to what I was saying before, how am I getting—"
Before he can finish his question, Watcher clasps his hand. His diminutive form emits a familiar glow before being swept away in a brilliant flash of ephemeral light.
Watcher sighs, blinking a few times to clear the spots from his eyes. What few guests surround him pay little mind to the spectacle. After all, adventurers blinking in and out of places is nothing new, and this is far from the most shocking thing to have transpired at the Bismarck this day.
His eyes slip closed.
'Was it really necessary to tell him so little? He's walking into a dangerous situation, you know. Your champion may not return from this.'
A woman's voice, soft and calming, resounds within his mind.
'I have every confidence in his abilities. The less he knows, at least for now, the safer it is for him.'
Watcher's hand comes up, and he softly kneads his tightly furrowed brow.
'I still do not like this, Hydaelyn. I hope your confidence is not misplaced. But hopefully his decision today, and his future actions will help in saving two worlds.'
"And having an entire universe in my debt is certainly not something at which I'd turn my nose."
A small, wry smirk plays across his face.
"I suppose, time for me to be off as well."
His eyes slide open as a dark space opens in front of him, and he steps through into the void beyond.